Japan welcomes the ceasefire agreement in Gaza – Statement by Japan’s Office in Palestine/Non-UN document

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Press Release

August 31, 2014

Statement by the Press Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan,
on the ceasefire agreement between Israel and the Palestinian Militants

1. The Government of Japan welcomes the ceasefire agreement between Israel and the Palestinian Militants, and also expresses respect for meditation efforts by Egypt.

2. The Government of Japan has been making following proposal to the international community so that the ceasefire agreement will lead to a lasting ceasefire and stabilization of the Gaza Strip.

1. The lasting ceasefire should be achieved on the basis of relevant past agreements (*).

(*) Ceasefire agreement proposed by Egypt in 2012, Palestinian National Reconciliation Agreement proposed by Egypt in 2009, Chapter 2 of the Israeli-Palestinian Interim Agreement on the West Bank and the Gaza Strip in 1995

2. All parties concerned should discuss their concrete steps without any pre-conditions.

3. The Ceasefire should lead to the resumption of the Middle East peace talks and the stabilization of the entire Middle East.

4. The international community should render its support to the stabilization of Gaza and its people after a lasting ceasefire is achieved.

3. The Government of Japan will continue to play an active role based on the above-mentioned proposal in accordance with the view that, for the stabilization of the Gaza Strip and the entire Middle East, our support should not only be confined to temporary aid but should also reach out to long-standing, seamless efforts ranging from emergency humanitarian aid to reconstruction.

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http://www.ps.emb-japan.go.jp/PressRelease/PressRelease2014/n31August.pdf